PCC Car no. 5010 (possibly Metropolitan Coach Lines, ex-Pacific Electric) stops on a curve on the Glendale-Burbank Line, possibly near Edendale or Atwater, in this undated photo. This may be part of a railfan trip, as suggested by the photographer on the right.
Bill Whyte Photo, Steve Crise Collection
5160 at Brand and Glenoaks
Although the destination boards suggests Pasadena Short Line, it is believed this image was taken at Brand and Glenoaks – Metropolitan Coach Lines (ex-Pacific Electric) no. 5160 turning on to Glenoaks from Brand. This could possibly be some sort of railfan special, which would explain the erroneous destination sign (it was common to put any sign up during railfan trips).
Bill Whyte Photo, Steve Crise Collection
Grip and Grin on Brand
Here’s an interesting image with little accompanying info. The location appears to be Glendale on Brand Blvd., and the car is Metropolitan Coach Lines (ex-Pacific Electric) no. 5160. The motorman and conductor are greeted by a local dignitary (possibly the mayor?), and the two younger men certainly look like period railfans.
Bill Whyte Photo, Steve Crise Collection
5160 at Terminus
Metropolitan Coach Lines (ex-Pacific Electric) no. 5160 rests at the end of the line, possibly the Glendale Burbank terminus in Burbank.
Bill Whyte Photo, Steve Crise Collection
To Oblivion (Past 5160)
Metropolitan Coach Lines (ex-Pacific Electric) cars roll down the Glendale-Burbank Line on Brand and Glendale Blvd., just south of the Southern Pacific tracks, in this image probably from the late 1950s. The unidentified car has a “To Oblivion” banner draped across its nose, as was common with fan trips on soon-to-be-abandoned routes. No. 5160 waits on an adjacent track.
Bill Whyte Photo, Steve Crise Collection
1590 and Crew
Pacific Electric freight locomotive no. 1590 and crew pose for this classic image that may have been captured on the Western District.
Mount Lowe Preservation Society Collection
Box Motor 1443 in San Fernando
Pacific Electric box motor no. 1443 pauses for this interestingly focused image captured in San Fernando on the Western District. The image is dated December 27, 1942.
Mount Lowe Preservation Society Collection
5120 at Jefferson and Main
Pacific Electric car no. 5120 heads westbound on the Santa Monica Air Line at Jefferson and Main Street in this image captured September 24, 1953.
Alan Weeks Photo, Alan Weeks Collection
Ward Kimball at Palms Station
Famed Disney animator Ward Kimball walks the rails before the old Pacific Electric Palms station as part of the “Save Our Station” (SOS) initiative that ultimately resulted in the station being relocated (it appears to be in process). The station is now part of the Heritage Square collection of architecture off the 110 Arroyo Freeway.
Alan Weeks Collection
707 at Helms Bakery
Pacific Electric cars (lead by no. 707) head westbound on Venice Blvd. at the Helms Bakery stop. The image is dated 1949.
Alan Weeks Collection